Byzantine 23K Gold Ring | Engraved Cross or Monogram Bezel
Eastern Mediterranean, Byzantine Empire, ca. 500–900 CE. A finger ring of very high-purity gold, tested at about 23.4 karats, with a slender band that widens at the shoulders into a flat oval bezel. The bezel is cut with horizontal lines crossed by short vertical strokes, set in two registers. The design may be read as a simple cross, or as an abbreviated inscription or monogram of the kind found on Byzantine personal rings. The softness of the near-pure gold shows in the gently uneven, hand-worked surface of the shank and bezel. Rings like this were worn as personal ornaments and as statements of faith or identity, and flat bezels like this one could also serve as seals. Size of band: 0.3" W x 0.59" Diam (0.8 cm W x 1.5 cm Diam); US ring size 4.5; gold quality: 97.4% (23.4 karat); weight: 3.4 grams.
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired by family descent; originally acquired in the 1980s
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #205337
Condition
Some minor nicks and light surface wear, as well as rubbing to incised decoration. Otherwise, intact, wearable, and very nice.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
Eastern Mediterranean, Byzantine Empire, ca. 500–900 CE. A finger ring of very high-purity gold, tested at about 23.4 karats, with a slender band that widens at the shoulders into a flat oval bezel. The bezel is cut with horizontal lines crossed by short vertical strokes, set in two registers. The design may be read as a simple cross, or as an abbreviated inscription or monogram of the kind found on Byzantine personal rings. The softness of the near-pure gold shows in the gently uneven, hand-worked surface of the shank and bezel. Rings like this were worn as personal ornaments and as statements of faith or identity, and flat bezels like this one could also serve as seals. Size of band: 0.3" W x 0.59" Diam (0.8 cm W x 1.5 cm Diam); US ring size 4.5; gold quality: 97.4% (23.4 karat); weight: 3.4 grams.
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired by family descent; originally acquired in the 1980s
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #205337
Condition
Some minor nicks and light surface wear, as well as rubbing to incised decoration. Otherwise, intact, wearable, and very nice.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
